NETWORKING: Networking Is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Networking has the best return on investment of any way of looking for work. But it's not an overnight magic cure-all. Networking isn't a sprint - it's a marathon.
Those who try to fast track or sprint through networking invariably do themselves more harm than good. They may be able to make short-term gains, but risk sullying their name - or brand, if you will - by skimming the surface. Networking sprinters give networking, itself, a bad name.
A better approach is to look at networking as a marathon. Sprinters never complete marathons because they've used up all of their energy for short term gains. By pacing yourself, however, your new networking contacts can become comfortable with you. Symbiotic relationships can form and grow. And, as a result, everyone benefits.
This takes time.
Remember that Irrefutable Law of Unemployment #2 states: "It's better to have a network in place before you need it than trying to build one when you do." When you build your network before you need one, it will be in place when you need to tap it. And, because you've approached networking as a marathon, you'll come off as less desperate and more professional. As a result, you'll get far better results.
IN THE CARAVAN: Approaching networking as a marathon will yield far better job seeking results in the long term.
LATER TODAY: How to Know If You're Pacing Yourself Right (Supplemental)
NEXT TUESDAY: Why Your Network Isn't Working
Check out last Tuesday's posts:
NETWORKING: Coffee Is a Great Career Investment
NETWORKING: Coffee and Networking (Supplemental)
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